Bergen County plans July 4 fireworks, celebration at Overpeck County Park
RIDGEFIELD PARK — Bergen County is starting a new tradition — hosting July 4 fireworks at Overpeck County Park — that officials plan to grow to a larger-scale celebration to honor the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026.
This year's Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular, hosted by the County Executive, board of commissioners and the county parks department will include performances by the New Jersey Wind Symphony and end with fireworks over Overpeck Creek.
This will also mark the first time in over a decade where fireworks will return to Overpeck County Park.
“The county is thrilled to announce our partnership with the New Jersey Wind Symphony for this spectacular new event at Overpeck County Park,” County Executive Jim Tedesco said. “Not only are we welcoming the return of fireworks to Overpeck County Park, but we are also setting the stage as we build towards the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026."
What will the event feature?
Besides fireworks, there will be entertainment, including children's activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a military flyover and cannons.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is an official event of Bergen250, an initiative spearheaded by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs within the Bergen County Department of Parks aimed at commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places and culture. The County would like to thank presenting sponsor, KABR Group for their partnership of this event.
“I'm proud to see Bergen County partnering with the New Jersey Wind Symphony to bring this exhilarating event to Overpeck County Park as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” County Commissioner Steven Tanelli said. “This collaboration not only enhances our Fourth of July festivities but also underscores our commitment to providing memorable experiences for our residents and visitors.”
Who's performing and when?
Festivities are set to begin at 3 p.m. in the Ridgefield Park section of Overpeck County Park where local acts including the New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra from Ridgefield Park and renowned Teaneck Jazz musician Reggie Pittman will kick off the celebration at the Amphitheater. Before the New Jersey Wind Symphony takes the stage, the evening will feature additional performances from recording artists including Leslie Mendelson, Jake Thistle, and Kristen Plumley.
3 p.m.: New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra
4:15 p.m.: Reggie Pittman band
5 p.m.: Jake Thistle
5:45 p.m.: Leslie Mendelson
6:45 p.m.: Welcome greetings
7:20 p.m.: New Jersey Wind Symphony featuring Kristen Plumley
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks show
The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform a dress rehearsal on July 3 that will be open to the public without the booming special effects from the cannons and fireworks. A rain date for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is scheduled for July 5.
“We are profoundly grateful to Bergen County for their partnership in bringing the 4th of July concert and fireworks to Overpeck County Park and allowing us to build upon last year’s wonderful concert,” said Chris Wilhjelm, Music Director for the New Jersey Wind Symphony. “It is our honor at the New Jersey Wind Symphony to perform once again in Overpeck County Park on the 4th of July in celebration of our nation's founding and we look forward to making the Star-Spangled Spectacular a memorable event that uplifts the spirit of our community and ignites the joy of Independence Day."
Where to park?
Event parking for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular will be available in the Ridgefield Park and Henry Hoebel sections of Overpeck County Park.
Additional offsite parking will be available at the Glenpointe Alfred Sanzari Building parking garage in Teaneck and the KABR Group parking lots on Challenger Road in Ridgefield Park. Complimentary shuttle transportation to the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park will be available thanks to Bergen County’s Division of Community Transportation.
Additional parking for fireworks viewing will be available at the Palisades Park section of Overpeck County Park. However, there will be no shuttle transportation from the Palisades Park section of Overpeck County Park.
For a full map of parking and viewing sites, click here.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County plans July 4 fireworks at Overpeck County Park
